[{"reviewer":"Carl Germann","starRating":"FIVE","comment":"Great experience, transparent pricing and pressure free. Dr. Meltzer was fantastic!","updateTime":"2025-12-15T03:04:09.613107Z"},{"reviewer":"Cynthia Laroche","starRating":"THREE","comment":"Hi — I’m writing this review simply to share my personal experience. I would normally give 5 stars because I have always received great customer service here. I’ve been coming for my exams for a few years now, and my mom does as well. We’ve never had an issue, and the staff has always been kind and helpful.\n\nHowever, I’ve now had two uncomfortable encounters with the same person, and I feel it’s important to bring it to someone’s attention. Whether intentional or not, both interactions felt unnecessary.\n\nThe first time, I came in because the band on my glasses was too loose. Someone who works there had previously told me this could be adjusted. The girl who assisted me that time I came in to get them tighten — her name is “Jillian” or “Gillian” (not sure of the spelling) — told me, very bluntly, that “that’s how they are. etc” I let it go because I’m not someone who complains easily.\n\nThe second encounter was today, 12/12/2025. I came in to purchase a cleaning cloth for my glasses. As she was showing me the options, I asked to feel the texture because different cloths vary, and my original one (from here) was very good quality. She told me I couldn’t open it and repeatedly reminded me that the price was $6 — which I acknowledged when she mentioned it. She eventually mentioned they had a sample, which I appreciated, but as she handed it to me, she held onto it tightly as if I was going to take it. I had to ask if I could actually touch it myself, and I even told her that I wasn’t going to steal it because that’s how the interaction made me feel.\n\nI’m sharing this in hopes that a supervisor or manager can speak with her. My intention isn’t to be harsh, but to help ensure that customers don’t have uncomfortable experiences. I truly enjoy this place, but these interactions were disappointing.\n\nThank you for taking the time to read this and hopefully address it.","updateTime":"2025-12-12T19:26:18.316486Z"},{"reviewer":"Nicholas Collins","starRating":"ONE","comment":"I came to this location at 5:45 PM, only to find it closed. They have updated hours for Thanksgiving week, but nothing for today (Monday, November 24). Very disappointed, as I have little time for these errands with my work schedule.","updateTime":"2025-11-24T22:48:05.992638Z"},{"reviewer":"blueco","starRating":"ONE","comment":"Same as reviewer below, beware on hidden $150 contact lens charge when they do a contact lens check which isn’t covered by insurance. If you tick wearing contact lenses when signing up for a routine eye exam, they will automatically enroll you in this check without any further communication before presenting you with a bill. Won’t be returning.","updateTime":"2025-11-18T15:45:33.133948Z"},{"reviewer":"Lokesh Sangabattula","starRating":"ONE","comment":"The frames are very expensive and the sales team makes it difficult to make cheaper choices.","updateTime":"2025-11-06T01:14:22.243839Z"},{"reviewer":"Jacob Morris","starRating":"ONE","comment":"The experience with the doctor and scheduling was fine and adequate, but the pricing was extremely shady. I went in for a routine glasses/ contacts annual appointment and was charged for a “specialty” appointment. This turns out to be a 150$ charge not covered by my insurance. I had been here once before for a checkup and only paid my 10$ copay and when I told them that, they said I was incorrectly charged last time. Additionally, the contacts price I was quoted to order through them was 2x the price I was seeing ordering online elsewhere. Again, both doctors are fine, but I feel like they are trying to screw me over at every payment step.","updateTime":"2025-11-04T18:47:54.568568Z"},{"reviewer":"Fernando Jose-Valdez","starRating":"TWO","comment":"I wasn’t heard the lady ran my insurance and didn’t want to listen to me about how mine works and she wasn’t willing to try either so I went somewhere else where I was listened and they where able to do it","updateTime":"2025-10-11T06:12:17.425464Z"},{"reviewer":"Tim Q","starRating":"ONE","updateTime":"2025-09-30T14:55:46.688495Z"},{"reviewer":"Heather Florance","starRating":"FIVE","comment":"Dr. Alex Russakovsky is an outstanding optometrist—thorough, compassionate, and incredibly knowledgeable. He takes the time to truly listen and make you feel cared for. I went in feeling anxious after seeing what looked like a black curtain in my vision, fearing it could be a detached retina. (Dont ever google or use AI for your symptoms... you'll have anxiety for days/weeks. Just go see the doctor lol) Dr. Alex immediately understood the urgency, performed multiple detailed tests, and explained everything clearly. Thankfully, it was not a retinal detachment but harmless random floaters.\n\nHe also diagnosed me with blepharitis prior, something I hadn't realized was contributing to my eye issues, and recommended simple steps like taking fish oil and using Avenova spray to help manage it. His attention to detail and ability to explain conditions in a way that made sense really put me at ease.\n\nThe office staff is just as wonderful. The eyeglass team is warm, friendly, and patient. I normally get polycarbonate lens but they recommended I get high index, which I'm excited for because it is thinner and better. Can't wait to pick up my Tiffany glasses soon!\nI highly recommend Dr. Alex and this office to anyone seeking exceptional eye care.","updateTime":"2025-09-21T16:21:28.799238Z"},{"reviewer":"Wande Calderon","starRating":"FIVE","comment":"I’ve been coming to this location for over 20 years, and I can honestly say the staff and manager are some of the nicest people I’ve ever met. I was surprised by a recent negative review because my experience has always been the complete opposite. Everyone here is always willing to help, the prices are very reasonable, and the doctors are incredibly personable and knowledgeable. That’s why I keep coming back and why I trust them with my entire family’s care. Highly recommend!","updateTime":"2025-09-05T19:42:24.742775Z"},{"reviewer":"Katelyn Feeley","starRating":"ONE","comment":"Extremely rude and take zero accountability for their mistakes. Discrimination at its finest. I brought in my glasses for lens repair on 8/26/25 (last day of my warranty). I only needed the lens replaced because the frames were almost in perfect condition. I picked up my glasses a week later (9/3) and noticed the frames were dirty and damaged when I got home. I called the store, they said I could go Friday (today, 9/5/25) to speak to the manager. Store manager screamed at me and said I caused the damage myself. I said, “I wear these glasses every single day, I know exactly how I brought them in. Did you take any pictures before you did the lens repair? Because that would show you how I brought them in.” The store manager starts screaming over me, insisting I caused the damage. She then had the nerve to mention my autistic son, saying, “your son probably did it then”. How low can you go? Instead of taking accountability for damaging the frames, whether it was an accident or not, these comments were absolutely out of line, inappropriate and disrespectful. I feel as though me and my son were discriminated against. She refused to give me corporate phone number, instead screamed, “what do you want, a free pair of glasses? Get her whatever she wants and get her out of here”. I definitely would never be the type to look for handouts. Every time I’ve gone to this location I’ve paid money out of pocket. I just wanted them to rectify a damage that happened in their care. And instead, the manager accused my autistic son of causing the damage. But as a manager, to insinuate that I would lie to get a free pair of glasses (which I paid out of pocket for & also paid for the warranty) is completely disrespectful and out of line. I work full time, money was not the issue. It was accountability. I’ve worked on both ends of customer service jobs, I would never speak to a customer like that, EVER. (I would probably lose my job!) I can’t speak for all of the employees at this location, but the store manager is completely disrespectful and inappropriate and needs to be dealt with.","updateTime":"2025-09-05T17:55:21.079160Z"},{"reviewer":"Hannah Gultom","starRating":"FIVE","comment":"Great selection of frames and helpful staff","updateTime":"2025-08-20T03:36:05.331340Z"},{"reviewer":"Sherae","starRating":"FOUR","comment":"Got my glasses a year and a half ago. I didn't wear them much back then, but now my sight worsened and I thought I needed a stronger prescription.\n\nAfter the exam, the Optometrist said my current prescription is perfectly fine; no adjustment necessary. I couldn't understand how that can be true because it's still blurry reading with them on.\n\nJust now, I've come to discover that the problem is the prescription section of the glasses were placed at the bottom of the lenses instead of the middle of the lenses where my eyes actually are. I have to lift my glasses up off my nose to see through them clearly.\n\nI'm going to give them a call tomorrow because there are no exam openings available for about two weeks, according to their website, but do I really need an actual eye exam to fix this? Especially since I already had one two weeks ago?\n\nI'd like to try contacts for the first time if it'll take some time to adjust my glasses. Hopefully I can walk out with something, or hopefully this will be an easy and quick fix.\n\nThe Optometrist and staff were friendly. Had no problem with them at all. Just a manufacturer error I suppose.","updateTime":"2025-05-29T03:47:20.028444Z"},{"reviewer":"Christina Massie","starRating":"FIVE","updateTime":"2025-04-21T13:28:09.301108Z"},{"reviewer":"Greg Hsu","starRating":"ONE","comment":"They are insanely strict about their “no-show” policy - they’ll charge you $20 for being 10 minutes late then have the audacity to ask when you want to reschedule. Incredible given that I’ve had to sit in their waiting area for 10+ minutes on multiple occasions and never once was offered $20 for my time.\n\nIf you want to be treated like a person at a healthcare practice go elsewhere - this is purely a business with no concern for patients. There are plenty of decent and less mercenary optometrists in Cambridge and Somerville. Don’t waste your time or money on this one, with its incredibly rude admin/sales staff.","updateTime":"2025-03-19T15:25:13.306392Z"},{"reviewer":"Matthew Wong","starRating":"FIVE","updateTime":"2024-09-06T16:53:06.474444Z"},{"reviewer":"Kevin O'Rourke","starRating":"FIVE","updateTime":"2024-05-14T22:16:01.481769Z"},{"reviewer":"Carmine Santana","starRating":"ONE","comment":"Always come here to buy my contacts because its convenient but last two times was met with nothing but bad energy and attitude. Will be the last set of contacts I buy from this place. Overpriced and an attitude? No thank you.","updateTime":"2024-01-26T17:03:14.638540Z"},{"reviewer":"Val Piekarsa","starRating":"FIVE","comment":"Fantastic service. Dr Alex is very thorough, kind, and professional. One of the best optometrists I've seen.","updateTime":"2023-12-23T22:22:06.861348Z"},{"reviewer":"Anna Rabkina","starRating":"ONE","comment":"Let me say first that I have been a happy customer of this office for many years and was looking forward to returning this year. I don’t live in Boston anymore, but Alex is great so I scheduled an appointment to happen during a brief return visit. I got a call two days before the appointment saying they do not have my current insurance information. Figured I could just update it in person. Then at 5PM the day before the appointment, when my plane landed, I got a text warning that my appointment “may be cancelled”. By this time the store was closed. When I presented to my appointment first thing the following morning I was informed that appointment had been cancelled. Of course it’s a private business, and you can run it however you want to run it. From my point of view it was disrespectful of my time to both cancel my appointment and also not even notify me before I arrived. Also, I would advise to do the insurance check ahead of time -at least a week- to give people time to respond. Also, there was no attempt to mitigate my situation- I was clearly upset. I’ve come here for years, even paid cash in the past, so I don’t understand the disrespect and lack of trust. Sorry to say I will no longer be a customer.","updateTime":"2023-10-21T14:50:13.576890Z"},{"reviewer":"Manuela Rodrigues","starRating":"FIVE","comment":"Super friendly, always on time, love the doctor, gret with kids","updateTime":"2023-09-06T12:39:55.977372Z"},{"reviewer":"Chelsea Farrell","starRating":"FIVE","comment":"The eye doctor was super kind and made me feel comfortable during my exam! The other ladies in the front were nice as well. I'm happy to have my new glasses!","updateTime":"2023-08-13T21:38:16.976862Z"},{"reviewer":"Jasraj Singh","starRating":"TWO","comment":"I have been going to this location for years and ever since they had their renovation the front end of the store has been going downhill. They are rude and unwelcoming. I called today to inform them that the doctor had given me the wrong prescription for contacts and the lady goes “what do you want me to do about it”. The doctors are great but the saleswoman suck.","updateTime":"2023-08-04T21:55:47.614706Z"},{"reviewer":"Erin Gilbert","starRating":"FIVE","comment":"I had the BEST customer service at the Pearle Vision. Nina and Daiane helped us figure out some complicated insurance policies, help me decide on a pair of glasses, and then be just as willing to help me when I came back & help me exchange to another pair when I changed my mind (haha). They went above and beyond what to expect from a normal experience and made me feel cared for and important. Ill only be going here for my vision needs from now on!!! They are the best.","updateTime":"2023-07-29T18:38:19.734964Z"},{"reviewer":"James Gilbert","starRating":"FIVE","comment":"Amazing, friendly staff and fantastic selection. They took great care of both me and my wife. We will definitely return!!","updateTime":"2023-07-29T18:33:01.265841Z"},{"reviewer":"Daniel Lesser","starRating":"FIVE","comment":"Dr Alex is excellent","updateTime":"2023-06-30T14:47:36.076925Z"},{"reviewer":"Refael Ackermann","starRating":"FIVE","updateTime":"2023-06-08T18:29:11.198868Z"},{"reviewer":"Lolita L","starRating":"ONE","comment":"Poor customer service! The eye doctor was nice and very helpful with the eye exam but the lady behind the counter was not helpful or friendly. I called in three weeks after my appointment...since I expected them to call me when they got in and they said they still weren't there. Then I called a week after that and tlwas told they have been sitting there and they had called me. Well they didn't.\n\nThen I picked up my glasses and the chick didn't even attempt to see if they even fit well or if I had any issues, nor cleaned them. They also did not provide a cleaning cloth like most other places would.\n\nMy last review which was also not a good one seems to have been removed... interesting.","updateTime":"2023-04-12T01:00:32.755840Z"},{"reviewer":"Darren Torpey","starRating":"FIVE","comment":"Been going there for a decade now. I always get very helpful, practical advice from the primary optometrist, \"Dr. Alex\" who has a great \"bedside manner\" and the rest of the staff there are also helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly.","updateTime":"2023-02-24T22:53:20.317540Z"},{"reviewer":"Dan Steinbrink","starRating":"FIVE","comment":"Very thankful for the people here. Staff goes above and beyond. Truly great and caring service.","updateTime":"2023-01-25T05:17:41.465794Z"},{"reviewer":"Ray DiNitto","starRating":"FIVE","comment":"Great staff...Dr. Alex is AMAZING.","updateTime":"2022-12-12T20:42:25.755488Z"},{"reviewer":"Nadege Gitego","starRating":"FIVE","updateTime":"2022-11-24T03:04:26.999704Z"},{"reviewer":"Vasken Papazian","starRating":"FIVE","comment":"I have been a customer at Pearle Vision in Somerville for years. Daiane Amaral, store manager has always gone above and beyond for all of my optometry needs no matter how big or small. Her customer service is bar none. I highly recommend her, she is the best in the business!","updateTime":"2022-11-10T23:34:28.483627Z"},{"reviewer":"Waleska Santos","starRating":"FIVE","comment":"Liked a lot the experience, Dr. Alex was very informative and talked about all my options, I felt understood and informed. Highly recommend visiting this place.","updateTime":"2022-10-25T19:07:43.768434Z"},{"reviewer":"Viraj Shah","starRating":"FIVE","comment":"Dr. Alex's bedside manner is next to none. You can tell he knows what he's doing. And he's been able to help me get contacts and solve some concerns I have had with my eyes.","updateTime":"2022-10-11T20:13:42.065833Z"},{"reviewer":"Juliana Vega","starRating":"FIVE","comment":"Amazing people and they are the best at what they do ✨","updateTime":"2022-08-15T15:23:02.001016Z"},{"reviewer":"Liz Mongrello","starRating":"FIVE","comment":"So thankful for the crew at Pearle Vision in Somerville!\n\nDr. Meltzer is so diligent with my eyes, ensuring they are healthy and protected. Nina helped me find the right pair of glasses with the right customization on the lenses (and I've literally not stopped getting compliments on how they fit me!) and Daiane went the extra mile to make sure I walked out of the shop with my new frames and lenses THAT DAY.","updateTime":"2022-08-10T19:04:04.295438Z"},{"reviewer":"Daniel Allum","starRating":"ONE","comment":"I’ve been to this location 3 times to try and get new contact lenses, and each time I’ve been given a new set to try. I called today to explain that none of them feel comfortable and make my eyes dry, and I’d like to stick to the brand I’ve always used (as they feel the most comfortable on my eyes) and they told me I can’t order them and have to come in for yet ANOTHER appointment for a check up. This will be my 4th Saturday I’ve had to put aside to talk about contact lenses, Im sorry but I don’t have the time to be trying a new set of contact lenses every 2 weeks that don’t feel comfortable. I just want my original brand of lenses with a newer script, is that too much to ask? Its getting beyond ridiculous at this point!","updateTime":"2022-07-29T18:11:26.010261Z"},{"reviewer":"Jeremy T","starRating":"FIVE","comment":"Recently bought a new pair of glasses here - the staff was incredibly helpful and friendly, and really went out of their way to help me get the right frames that fit my face properly. They also did a great job of answering questions I had about my insurance and how much was being covered.\n\nI'll plan on going back if I ever need to shop for glasses again.","updateTime":"2022-07-17T14:07:03.773275Z"},{"reviewer":"Jon Cai","starRating":"FIVE","comment":"This is wonderful store. I came in at the last minute with a request for frameless prescription lenses, and the lab was able to synthesize it the same day. I'm incredibly grateful for this store's speed since at the time, my glasses were broken, and I was desperate for a pair. The manager is absolutely wonderful and takes care of her customers!","updateTime":"2022-07-12T11:10:47.797897Z"},{"reviewer":"Tishura Robinson","starRating":"FIVE","comment":"The store manager Diane is amazing from when my partner and I walked in up until we left. She'll definitely make sure you leave her store satisfied. Thank you so much for your amazing customer service!!!","updateTime":"2022-06-15T21:54:41.313991Z"},{"reviewer":"Claudia Cabral","starRating":"FIVE","comment":"Absolutely love Dr.Alex and staff","updateTime":"2022-06-09T11:45:07.799773Z"},{"reviewer":"YNergy","starRating":"FIVE","comment":"I'm always happy with the service I get from Pearl (and Dr. Alex). It's why I keep coming back - can't recommend them highly enough.","updateTime":"2022-04-24T00:41:51.948883Z"},{"reviewer":"Lauren Lee","starRating":"ONE","comment":"AVOID AT ALL COSTS!! I had multiple terrible experiences with them. On my first visit, they pressured me to pay out of pocket and have insurance reimburse me later; I refused and waited 20 minutes for them to call and check my insurance, which went through- they had my insurance information weeks prior and should have checked before my visit. A month or two later, I found out they has charged my insurance for services I did not receive, on a totally different day than I visited. THEN on the last visit, they forced me to pay up front and promised they’d talk to my insurance “first thing in the morning” and refund me -two weeks later, that hadn’t happened, and THEN I was told my insurance (which worked a few months earlier) would not work, I’d have to pay the ~$200 out of pocket, but they’d give me 3 months of contacts free as an apology. Then I went to pick up the contacts and lo and behold, they would not give me more than 30 days supply. I’m so frustrated.\n\nActual medical practice is great, they just have some sketchy business stuff going on.","updateTime":"2022-04-22T20:34:46.017937Z"},{"reviewer":"Lury Baltodano","starRating":"FIVE","updateTime":"2022-03-31T17:43:32.127484Z"},{"reviewer":"Ken Morton Jr","starRating":"FIVE","comment":"Dr. Alex has an impressive and modern take on eye-care. He made sure to personalize my appointment, and takes care to explain topics in a way anyone can understand. The staff in the front are very friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful.","updateTime":"2022-03-23T21:25:17.418716Z"},{"reviewer":"Ashley Parys","starRating":"FIVE","comment":"Really great place, wicked nice staff, so helpful and kind. I’d much rather give me business to them rather than online!","updateTime":"2022-03-17T23:10:07.502917Z"},{"reviewer":"Harold Myron","starRating":"FIVE","comment":"Dr. Russakovsky is very knowledgeable and helpful! Dedicated to his practice. Highly recommend","updateTime":"2022-03-03T02:04:05.815469Z"},{"reviewer":"Souneek Chakraborty","starRating":"FIVE","comment":"Nice","updateTime":"2022-02-22T03:38:54.894400Z"},{"reviewer":"Bryan Goggin","starRating":"FIVE","comment":"Hi All!! I have gotten my glasses hear for years and I don't even live in the area!\n\nYesterday I walked in for a new pair because I had broken mine and my spare had a 10 year old prescription. My Benefits for my insurance had maxed out for the year and Diane was super friendly and helpful to help me get an affordable pair I could get by with until I could get the pair I wanted. I then asked if it was possible to get same day glasses...and she agreed with a smile on her face!\n\nSuper friendly, super helpful, not to mention great product selection. Thanks for the great service! :)","updateTime":"2022-02-04T16:55:24.806580Z"}]
